Often a trip to Georgia starts in the capital Tbilisi Tbilisi, Georgia. With a population of 1.4 million, Tbilisi is the undisputed center of Georgia. Founded as a royal residence as early as the 5th century, the city flourished in the 10th century. Seven caravan routes led through the seven city gates, making Tbilisi one of the most important trading centers of the time at the junction between Europe and Asia. However, Tbilisi was very often a victim of destruction so that the buildings of the old town usually aren´t older than 200 years.